A Tribute to Gabby

Gabby, A Real-Life Heroine!

I am Laura AKA Gabsmom and have been a diabetic for the past 6 years. I am insulin dependent and after the birth of my second daughter Gracie, I have lost most of the usual warning signs for hypoglycemic episodes. My husband works in the evenings a lot and I am home with my two beautiful daughters. This story is about the quick thinking and what I consider heroic measures that my daughter Gabby took to save her mommy's life.

I went into the kitchen to get the girls their night sippy and bottle. I started feeling weird and remember sitting down on the kitchen floor. Sean was not at home and I recall Gabby coming in and asking me what was wrong. Several weeks before we had a discussion about when to call 9-1-1. I told her that if Mommy (or Nana or Aunt Rachael--all diabetics) ever acted weird and did not answer her or looked like she was asleep when she shouldn't be, to call 9-1-1. Gabby knows that I am a diabetic and knows some of these warning symptoms.

My brave little 5-year-old knew immediately what was wrong. She went into the fridge and grabbed a jar of peaches and tried her hardest to open them and couldn't so she gave them to me with a spoon. Needless to say, I could not talk, or move anything. I felt like I was watching a movie in slow motion.

Gabby then got the cordless and handed it to me. We managed to hit the redial button and my sister's cell phone was the last number we called. She got her on the phone and my sister (also diabetic) knew immediately what the problem was. Gabby sat on the floor with me and kept Gracie (then 10 months old) with us. She also went and unlocked the door for my sister. My sister gave me 2 cans of mountain dew and a banana and I was still only in the 60's I believe. I must have been extremely low.

Gabby didn't remember 9-1-1, but was sharp enough to call someone. She was visibly scared, but kept her cool. I am so proud of her. In my opinion she is my little hero and without her, I may not be here today.

Unfortunately, Gabby knows a lot about diabetes. She has grown up around it and often asks me if I need something. We are so proud of her and know that she will make an amazing mother herself someday. I pray that she never has to experience diabetes, but if she does, I know that she will be able to handle it. She really is an amazing, bright and compassionate little girl. I am truly blessed to be her mother.

Gabby recently started kindergarten this school year. She also takes jazz and acrobat. Her favorite color is white and her favorite food is buttered rigatonis. She absolutely loves playing with her stuffed animals (especially cats), coloring, and reading. She has one dog (Hunter) and 4 cats (Kaysey, Katie, Chase and Milo). She also has a 1-year-old sister Gracie.

Written October 2004 by Laura